that's what the cia believed and told her in a briefing given to her that very day. yet, john mccain and others launched a campaign to smear her and block her for moving to the state department. president obama defended rice on numerous occasions, but accepted her decision today with regrelt. just a short time ago, she explained her decision to nbc's brian williams. >> today, i made the decision that it was the best thing for our country, for the american people, that i not be considered for nomination for secretary of state. i didn't want to see a confirmation process that was very prolonged, very politicized. very distracting and very disruptive. there are so many things we need to get done as a country. and the first several months of a second term president's agenda is really the opportunity to get the the crucial thing done. job creation. that's what matters. and to the extent that my nomination could have delayed, distracted or maybe even deflected, i didn't want that. and i'd much prefer to continue doing what i'm doing, which is a job i love at the united nat